Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lyft?

The City of Richmond’s paratransit (R-Transit) program is partnering with transportation network company Lyft to provide on demand transportation. Lyft is a ridesharing application that connects people with a nearby driver and transports them to their destination.

What is RAPID?

The R-Transit program’s newest addition, RAPID, offers R-Transit clients a subsidy to use Lyft for on-demand trips in the cities of Richmond, El Cerrito, North Richmond, El Sobrante, Kensington, San Pablo, and Pinole. RAPID will also expand service to and from the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Veterans hospital in Martinez, CA.

What do I need to use RAPID?

When can I use RAPID?

Once you are registered, you can use RAPID 24/7. RAPID will allow each R-Transit client a maximum of forty (40) subsidized trips per month.

Can I use RAPID?

Lyft is best suited for those comfortable with boarding vehicles (including SUVs and vans) without driver assistance. Due to the nature of Lyft, drivers are not required to assist passengers in and out of the vehicle, assist with personal belongings, or walk passengers to their destination. Lyft provides curb-to-curb service.

Lyft’s policy is that passengers who use wheelchairs that can safely and securely fit in the car’s trunk or backseat without obstructing the driver’s view will be accommodated by the Lyft driver.

Can I use both RAPID and R-Transit?

R-Transit clients who are able to fold and store their wheelchair on board without the assistance of drivers and able to transfer in and out of the vehicle independently or with the assistance of an accompanying assistant can use Lyft.

R-Transit clients who require additional assistance of the drivers and/or depend on mechanical aids such as crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs can continue to use the R-Transit program. R-Transit will continue to provide service with wheelchair accessible vehicles to all R-Transit clients. R-Transit clients can use both RAPID and R-Transit paratransit service. Clients have the freedom to select a service based on individual mobility needs.

How much is the subsidy?

Clients will pay the first $3.00 of each one way trip within the service area and R-Transit will cover the next $17.00 of the ride. If the total cost of a one way trip in the service area exceeds $20.00, the client will be responsible for the overage.

Can I still use R-Transit coupons?

R-Transit clients can continue to use and purchase coupon books to pay for rides provided by the R-Transit service. Clients will not be able to use coupons as a payment source for rides booked with RAPID. To book rides with RAPID, clients will need a credit/debit card.

What do I do next?

If you wish to use RAPID, you must complete a registration and waiver of liability form(s) to register for the service and receive the subsidy. You will receive further instructions from R-Transit staff once your forms are received and processed. If you have additional questions, R-Transit staff invites you to an upcoming workshop on November 18, 2019 from 9 am—noon at the Richmond Senior Center located at 2525 Macdonald Ave., Richmond CA. You can also register for RAPID in person at the workshop. If you cannot attend, please contact staff at (510) 307-8026 to learn about upcoming workshops.